Portugal have denied claims Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the World Cup after being dropped by manager Fernando Santos against Switzerland.

The 37-year-old was surprisingly left out of his country’s starting XI against the Swiss on Tuesday in the last-16 tie.

Ronaldo was replaced by Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos who justified his manager’s decision by scoring a brilliant hat-trick.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was eventually introduced as a late substitution, but was off the pace, heading straight down the tunnel at full-time.

When learning he was not starting in the knockout game, Portuguese newspaper Record claim Ronaldo threatened to walk out on his country.

The player is said to have calmed down eventually and backtracked on his threat, though the Portuguese FA have now released a statement denying the report.

“News released on Thursday claims Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with national coach Fernando Santos,” read the statement.

“The FPF wants to clarify that at no time did national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team during the tournament in Qatar.

"Cristiano Ronaldo continues to build on his unique record of service to the national team, which should be respected and which attests to his unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.

The statement added: “The national team – players, coaches and the FPF structure – are fully committed and enthusiastic, as has been the case since day one, to building what we hope will be Portugal’s best ever World Cup.”

There were rumours of discontent between the player and his boss which emerged as he was substituted against South Korea.

Santos has a huge decision as to whether to leave out Ronaldo again and stick with his hat-trick hero Ramos.

Portugal are next in action against Morocco in the World Cup quarter-final, though it is unclear who the manager will opt for.

https://talksport.com/football/1271193/portugal-statement-cristiano-ronaldo-leave-world-cup/

Mynd44 Lalasticlala

Nothing special

Ronaldo don suffer. Chai